21 



s 




sparkling 

SiinlDeams 




BY 



JESSE GRANVELL KINSER 



TRAVE-TRAMMELL CO. 

OKLAHOMA CITY, O KLA. 



COPYRIGHT 

APPLIED FOR 

19 2 



MAY 1 Q iB20 
©CU586954 



CONTENTS 



Page 

The Days of Life 1 

Prelude ^ 

Dawn ^ 

Morning ^ 

Noontime 1^ 

Evening ^^ 

Conclus^'on 1*^ 

The Foreword March 19 

Meditation 2C' 

A Word for the World 21 

Immortal Wealth 22 

My Soul and 1 23 

Down by the River Side 24 

Under the Boughs of the Cedar 25 

The Call of the Ages 28 

The Lord's Servant 28 

Never Complain 29 

The Falling Star 30 

Fighting for Fame 32 

Under the Snow 35 

Songs of the Rain 37 

Under the Jolly Old Pine _ 39 

Our Precious Boy 41 

Untainted Riches 43 

Their New Year Pledges 44 

Backward Progress 48 




PREFACE 

HEN tlie autlior linalli.] lavjs 
aside kis pen, Qiid finds tliat 
tlie daij lias realkj arrived 
wken lie must submit tlie fruits of kis 
lakor to tlie approval of tke puklic; 
ke is genera [Ivj beset witk a fit of 
kesitation, lest liis award skould be a 
veto. Especialkj is tliis true wken it 
kappens to be tke first leap in tke 
dark — wken, for tke first time, lie 
sends to press tke volume tkat is to 
make or scandalize kis reputation as a 
writer. 

Witk full realszation of tke fact 
tkat poetrtj won't sell, I submit to tke 
public tkis little volume, tkat tkeij 
maij jud<5,e wketker it ska 11 find a 
place in tke librarLj or be consumed 
bij tke flames. 

— Tke Autkbr. 



L 



The Days of Life. 

PRELUDE 

The morning sun we see arise 
Afar within the eastern skies, 
Sending down it's certain light 
That mortal hand can ne'er blight ; 
For darkest clouds have only laid 
Upon the earth a semi-shade. 
There's not a doj so much like night 
But that somev/here the skies are bright,- 
There's not a heart so 'torn and sad, 
But that some other is so glad. 
There's not a sun that doth appear, 
Without dispelling someone's care, — 
Pick out a day of any choice 
And someone's ready to rejoice! 

The sun next climbs the clear blue skies, 
And seems then to decrease in size, — 
The rays are brighter and more strong 
Causing the heat to follow on ; 
And then the midday sun is more 
Like a great fire that's hinging o'er, 
For now the rays are falling straight, 
And seem to carry more weight. 
Then in the evening, sinking low, 
To rest, the sun appears to go. 
And cooler grows the atmosphere, 
While everything seems to send cheer, — 
Yet is saddened to think the moon 
Shall drive away day's ruler soon, 
And Robin's solitary song 
Tells that the day will soon be gone. 



Life can be portioned as a day 
In every form and every way, 
For one can feel within the heart 
That days are all in life a part, — 
That out of days life is composed, 
As of minutes the hour grows ; 
As out of hours come day and night. 
And on and on Time speeds in flight, 
Until a lifetime has been spent 
Unto the slightest element, — 
For who can change a single breath 
After they have once tasted death? 
Be the life mean or be it great, 
The time of death will never wait ; 
But while the flying moments flow 
It is assurance for to know. 
That, if the aim's not all in life, 
There is a joy as well as strife, — 
Assurance all rejoice to see. 
Eternal immortality. 

! heart that breaks, and gives no signs 
Until the star of victory shines, — 
happiness, that's free for all. 
Too glorious for words to enstall ! 

The thorn that springs within life's state, 
Is caused when we won't cultivate 
More nobler thoughts and nobler things, 
That unto all blest kindness rings, 
'Til goodness shall our watchword be 
Thru endless times — eternity. 

Looking from the promontory 
Of a wreckiess past life's story. 
That's conveyed not in a voice 



—2— 



That we would make as a choice ; 
But that's brought thru our experience 
In our past life's grand adherence ; 
Our heart grows sick to think back o'er 
Glad things that'll come to us no more. 
Then how'd we find consolation, 
In our past life's excavation, 
If not into our memory come 
Some good in life that we have done 
That puts the pleasant thot in mind 
When we were blessed by being kind ? 



When e're we take and don't intrude 

Our hearts are filled with gratitude, 

But when we give still grander grows 

The blessings that our giving sows, 

For within us life will revive, 

And things long dead will come alive ; 

For when we look upon the dead. 

For whose sake, loving tear's we've shed, 

We easily can recall the time 

We tried to be helpful and kind. 

But let us know that we have wronged 

A single one that's from us gone, 

And then we shudder and regret 

That their lives we have ever met ; 

For it's better that we never know them, 

If there's no blessings well bestow them. 

When one is born and life's begun 

We may compare them with the sun, 

That's creeping o'er the eastern hill 

A mission on earth to fulfull, — 

To push the cart of wrong or right, — 

To fall or triumph over might ; 

For what the world needs now is men 



That are determined for to win, 
And make moral life more ample 
In setting a good example, 
Then one needs never fight to be 
A helper of humanity. 

Then busy is the human mind 

That thinks for better all the time, 

And trifles not with useless thot ^ 

That in ill temper has been wrot, — 

Who lives for good, and good alone, 

To help their nation and their home ; 

And, tho their talents be but few. 

They strive to push their notions thru. 

Out of a thousand one is borned 

Who as a leader is informed. 

And who a great mind is given 

To help bring earth close to heaven. 

Could a ship the ocean weather, 

When the wind and storm clouds gather 

If no one stood beside the wheel 

To guide aright the mighty keel ? 

How stronger, then, must mortal stand, 

If they intend to make the land ; 

When winds and wave are raging high. 

And the rocky coast is drawing nigh ! 

Timers mighty growing era, — 

dream that's so mighty cheery; 

Speak out in voice so loud and strong, ^ 

And overcome the mighty throng, — 

Speak loud, that all the world may hear 

Who may be stranded far and near. 

Or floating idle in the bay 

Of things that were of yesterday. 

Then tell each heart what secret that 



That we would make as a choice ; 
But that's brought thru our experience 
In our past life's grand adherence ; 
Our heart grows sick to think back o'er 
Glad things that'll come to us no more. 
Then how'd we find consolation, 
In our past life's excavation, 
If not into our memory come 
Some good in life that we have done 
That puts the pleasant thot in mind 
When we were blessed by being kind ? 

When e're we take and don't intrude 

Our hearts are filled with gratitude. 

But when we give still grander grows 

The blessings that our giving sows, 

For within us life v/ill revive, 

And things long dead will come alive ; 

For when we look upon the dead. 

For whose sake, loving tear's we've shed, 

We easily can recall the time 

We tried to be helpful and kind. 

But let us know that we have wronged 

A single one that's from us gone, 

And then we shudder and regret 

That their lives we have ever met ; 

For it's better that we never know them, 

If there's no blessings we'll bestow them. 

When one is born and life's begun 

We may compare them with the sun. 

That's creeping o'er the eastern hill 

A mission on earth to f ulf ull, — 

To push the cart of wrong or right, — 

To fall or triumph over might ; 

For what the world needs now is men 



—3— 



That are determined for to win, 
And make moral life more ample 
In setting a good example, 
Then one needs never fight to be 
A helper of humanity. 

Then busy is the human mind 
That thinks for better all the time, 
And trifles not with useless thot 
That in ill temper has been wrot, — 
Who lives for good, and good alone, 
To help their nation and their home ; 
And, tho their talents be but few, 
They strive to push their notions thru. 
Out of a thousand one is horned 
Who as a leader is informed. 
And who a great mind is given 
To help bring earth close to heaven. 
Could a ship the ocean weather, 
When the wind and storm clouds gather. 
If no one stood beside the wheel 
To guide aright the mighty keel? 
How stronger, then, must mortal stand, 
If they intend to make the land ; 
When winds and wave are raging high. 
And the rocky coast is drawing nigh ! 

Time's mighty growing era, — 
dream that's so mighty cheery ; 
Speak out in voice so loud and strong, 
And overcome the mighty throng,— 
Speak loud, that all the world may hear 
Who may be stranded far and near, 
Or floating idle in the bay 
Of things that were of yesterday, 
Then tell each heart what secret that 



It has been so mystified at. 
We little know what some keep fast 
Beneath the shadows of the past. 
And how within their heart doth beat 
The fire of some celectial heat, 
For self can't figure what that w^e 
Are mostly gifted for to be, 
But we must surely pave the way 
To be the winner of the day, 
And know that, tho we understand 
The things accomplished by the hand, 
We never can attain the art 
Of knowing secrets of the heart. 
End of Prelude. 



THE DAWN 

The purest days of all a life 
That are most wholly free of strife ; 
An epoch set apart for play 
With not a care to drive away, — 
No care of toil, the whole day long. 
But blessed with every gentle song 
The birds all chant among the trees, 
Or as they ride upon the breeze ; 
With melodies that are so sweet 
That grand orchestras can't repeat, — 

This is the days of childhood mirth, 
The grand prelude to all the earth. 
We all look back from years of toil 
Upon the things that childhood soil. 
And hang our head in pensive thot 
Of things of life that can't be bought ; 
The careless stroll thru field and dell. 



And woods we understood so well ; 
For who can measure sportsman's joy 
As can the romping hunter boy, 
Who, with a rude home-made popgun, 
The rabbit and the squirrel will run ; 
Imagining himself to be 
A wanderer from o'er the sea, 
Come to this wildly wooded place 
To overawe some native race. 
Until they all shall tribute bring. 
And fall before him as a king ; 
And that, on his returning home 
No more in distant lands to roam, 
He'll be awarded with a name 
That thru his native land shall ring, 
And in the future day shall stand, 
A great Columbus of the land ! 
could such fancies long endure 
Our earthly pleasures to insure. 
Til simple life would seem a part 
Of all the phantoms of the heart. 

Oh, how oft', with lights extinguished. 

Do we lay awake in anguish. 

With humble homes once more returned 

To that of which we're most concerned ; 

That was to us such a fold 

In which our future course to mold. 

And learn the lessons of the school 

That's founded on the golden rule 

No college lore of church or state 

Can e'er contrive to imitate, 

For no pulpit can ever be 

As holy as a mother's knee, 

And in no country can we roam 

That ever will compare with home. 



—6— 



We often in minds roving feel 

That things of life that are most real 

Are memories that long have lain 

Within the chambers of the brain, — 

That things of now are but a dream 

Of which we only catch a gleam, 

That present things are but a sign 

To verify the future mind. 

But what could be more real than life 

That's made of constant joy and strife, 

That Nature's did her evel best 

To make to us of interest, 

And show to us that it's not sleep 

But a great harvest for to reap, 

Of joyous love and bright sunbeam. 

And is to us more than a dream. 

Now let us, as we bear awhile 

Upon the era of a child, 

Once more recall the golden days 

We spent in happy childhood ways. 

And over past days have a talk 

That no base prejudice can mock; 

For, tho our thots be now apart 

As each pursues a different art. 

The past brings pleasures to us all 

As happy moments we recall. 

Our hearts must melt to tender mold 

As in the golden days of old, 

And, thru the power of noble mind. 

Endeavor to be good and kind, 

If we should e'er expect to see 

The pleasure of the present glee. 

And in the future have a past 

That sweetest memories hold fast. 

We, too, must not forget that we 



—7— 



Are still a-sailing on life's sea, 

And, tho we may seem near the bay, 

We must not turn from out the way, 

But recollect that man is one. 

While that all things by God is done ;— 

That troubled life is but awhile 

Til we reach the celestial isle, 

Where, with the loved ones gone before, 

We'll sing sweet songs for evermore, 

Recalling o'er and o'er again 

That serene joys are far from vain; 

That, tho this life is incomplete, 

The blessings here seem ever sweet 

Beyond reach of gold or silver. 

For God is the only giver. 

child, laugh on your pleasant way, 

As you shall be forever gay. 

For nature made your burden light 

That other lives you may make bright, 

And be a sunbeam to some soul 

That may be wandering from loves fold. 

Tho you don't see things of the hour. 

You now do wield your greatest power; 

For you are father of the man 

That in the future day shall stand 

The crowned monarch of land and pool 

If only he himself shall rule. 

How oft' beside the clear blue stream, 

You lay beneath the tree and dream. 

Where flowers bloom along your side 

With grasses growing far and wide, 

While from the water is the view 

Of all reflected back anew ; — 

Alas for him who cannot see 

The beauty of a sight at thee! 



How vain it seems that pen will try 
Those golden days to justify, 
For greatest talents cannot find 
Words that will overrate your kind ; 
And why should secrets e'er be told 
Which every heart in store doth hold, 
Imprinted in a better rhyme 
Than lifeless words can ever chime. 
It seems that o'er the world is cast 
A charm that holds each being fast, 
Respecting neither sex nor age, 
But all ambition doth engage, 
And gives to every life a charm 
That keeps it from depressed alarm; 
This is the bugle that to all 
Onward to ''progress's" road doth call. 
So, child, remember that today 
You have just started on the way 
To blaze your future pathway out, 
And fling obstructions all about. 
Until the road of success be 
Of chance or failure wholly free ; 
And try to ever thankful be. 
That pleasure lies ahead of thee I 

II 

MORNING 

The time of life we now shall try 

To, thru our method, justify. 
That those to follow catch a view 
Of the grand epoch's rosy hue. 
And in the memory imprints 
Thots of the glorious element 
That constitutes the youthful way, 
So happy, carefree and so gay. 



—9— 



Youths days are mostly understood 
As the best days beyond childhood ; 
For ever is the youthful heart 
To be to man the counterpart 
That little buds are to the grain, 
Or floating clouds are to the rain— 
For youth the victor e'er shall be 
As nears manhoods catastrophe. 

So when life's sun has soared on, 

And childhood days are nearly gone, 

Then will appear the youthful thot, — 

The scale on which a life is wrought ; 

For here's the stage where v/e must choose 

The solid road, or the race loose. 

If we push on to scorn and laugh 

At what shall be our epitaph, 

Looking only at the present 

In a way so light and pleasant. 

And caring not what is before 

Forever knocking at our door. 

Then surely there will come a time 

When in regret we will repine. 

Of course, the future we must face, 
But let it be not in disgrace ; 
For we can pray and bravely hope 
That care our life won't envelope, 
'Til faith from out our heart is cast 
Until the anchor holds not fast. 
But let's our spirits float afar 
Into a sea of deep despair. 
For safer are we in the sod 
Than to lose faith in man or God. 

Blest be the youth who looks before 



—10— 



And plans his future welfare o'er, 

To see the things he must achieve 

The decline of age to relieve ; 

Not too intent on great estate 

All ambition to fascinate ; 

And sacrifice his soul and health 

Accumulating mighty wealth ; — 

Or else expecting to see fame 

With a great and immortal name. 

Great opportunities won't call 

Entreating onward one and all, 

But every heart can scale the height 

Of doing little duties right. 

Tho we may but a beggar be 

We all can share in charity, 

By conquering the inward lust 

And share with any our last crust. 

Just cultivate a thinking mind, 

That's of the great and noble kind. 

And it will soon attain the art 

Of guiding right the hand and heart; 

And then will time have something grand 

To e'er entrust at his command 

The youth is the great creation 

Of a solid built foundation, — 

For can a house endure and stand 

That has been built upon the sand. 

Lest when the sands should overflow 

The mighty house adrift would go, — 

But one that's built upon the rock 

Can withstand far the greater shock. 

And stand up mighty and sublime 

Defying threats of passing time. 

Bare rocks a shelter won't afford 

Against a gale's destructive hoard, 

Therefore life without the living 



—11- 



Is a gift without the giving. 
So matters not how bold we stand 
We must be sure to make the land ; 
But if our plans should seem to fail 
We must not stop to give a wail ; 
For the great fight is never done, 
But at the end seems just begun, 
And arms we never must lay down 
Until we wear the victor's crown, 
Then rest from labors shall be gave 
When we must slumber in the grave. 

Thoughtful youths will sure inherit 

A better progressive spirit, 

With courage efforts to renew. 

And push his plans of life all thru. 

Youth, arm yourself with justice's sword 

To battle with temptation's hoard, — 

And greatness have thru being meek, 

Gaining your strength thru being weak ; 

But don't forget that the sublime 

Are those who practice being kind. 

Let onward, upward be your aim, 

If you would magnify your name. 

And do not shirk when duties call 

You to the service of us all ; 

For faithful ones in little things 

Over the greatest statesman reigns, 

And he that can himself control 

Is fit a nation's laws to mold. 

So, youth, press on, your sturdy aim 

Of the bright future to attain ; 

And when you've grown to be a man 

Responsibilities to stand. 

Do not forget the fight's still on 

By falling in the path of wrong, 



—12— 



Until away your dear soul floats, 
Thru sowing wildly your wild oats 
Among the burr and the weed, 
Fruits of which the world has no need. 
Don't spoil the good of your mission 
By giving over to ambition ! 

Ill 

NOONTIME 

So now we find that mighty soon 
A bright day will arrive at noon. 
And heat the earnestness will lend 
That every one can't comprehend. 
The time has now arrived when we 
Must ever at our labors be ; 
For now the play is in full swing, 
And rehearsal is a past thing. 
Out there in front's the audience 
That we must win to confidence, 
If we would ever blaze the way 
To be the hero oi* the play. 
This shrewd old world is hard to get 
To take a thing that's counterfeit. 
For she has learned that all we see 
Don't bear the seal of legality. 
Tho for awhile we may deceive. 
And bribe her in us to believe, 
If we are not the genuine 
In adversity we'll repine. 
For everybody wants the coin 
That of all counterfeit is shorn. 

With manhood comes the time so real, 

Responsibilities to feel ; 

For life is spiced with many plans 



—13— 



To be accomplished by his hands. 
Tho, may the simple childish hopes 
In some degree declined and broke, 
It's consolence to look back o'er 
The things of life that's gone before, 
When we were rich amid our plans, 
That 'round the root of childhood stands ; 
For we can laugh that time is still 
Afforded all plans to fulfill. 



A little word may help the world, 
For with a pleasant thot unfurled, 
You may convey to some the way 
That leads on to a better day ; 
Then they, in turn, may pass it on, 
Where sparks of hope may have been gone, 
'Til all are thirsting for the truth 
That brings to age a golden youth. 
A helpful man may help a state 
All base abuse to amputate ; 
And worthy states will help the world 
The flag of progress to unfurl. 

man you know you should live true, 
And be right, tho it's with the few; 
For all the world upon you look 
As one who works have undertook; 
Remember that to be ample 
You must set a good example. 
It matters not what road you tread. 
Someone your way will be led. 
That will your career duplicate, — 
Tho it may be so dissipate. 
It's such a blessing that if we 
Endeavor in the right to be. 
Some other soul our way we'll win, 



—14— 



To be a great helper of men." 
So let each day of life we see 
A period of true joy be, 
Til when the road of life is trod, 
And we find rest within the sod ; 
May deeds of our life tell again. 
In living we'd not lived in vain. 

IV 

EVENING 

The day of life's now to arrive. 
After we many years survive. 
When o'er the plains the shadows creep 
And the red sun sinks down to sleep ; 
With nature e'er serene and fair 
Cooled by the balmy evening air. 
We know that, tho the day is gone. 
Another greater still shall dawn, — 
That, tho we mortals must lay down, 
'Tis to receive a starry crown. 
That is so heavenly and rare 
No monarch on the earth can wear. 

Our bark is near unto the shore 
To travel mortal seas no more ; 
For yonder on the pebbly strand 
Lies, beautiful, the promised land. 
Where is the cool refreshing shade 
Beside the glowing everglade. 
We now upon the ruins look 
Of things in life we undertook. 
But that misfortune did assail 
And cause our efforts all to fail. 
Why care if some contrivance may 
Work out just the contrary way,— 



—15— 



The earth, the planets and the sun 

Cannot be altered just for one; 

But when we reach the time at last 

When life is all within the past, 

We should have learned to look and live, 

Til we, our failures, can forgive. 

Alas for those who cannot see 

The path of immortality, 

But blunders onward to the sod 

Disbelieving in the only God, — 

Who has not found, with fathful will, 

That freedom is impossible. 

But that we all must ever stand 

A slave unto our f ellowman. 

A sea gull, flying from afar 
Upon the bosom oi* the air, 
May become weary of the flight 
That leads into the misty night ; 
It's thots, tho, are upon the shore 
That lies serenely out before, 
Where he shall find the needed rest 
Within the shelter of his nest. 
Likewise life's pilgrims, prodding on 
Until the day seems almost gone. 
Has something just ahead to view 
When he shall begin life anew; 
For was there e'er a storm so wild 
But that somewhere the bay was mild,— 
Was e'er a life so broken down. 
But that some hope within was found ? 

Is it not well that we lay down 
To leave our children to the crown ; 
For should the shadows wish that they 
Could be turned back into the day ? 



—16-^ 



The world has had it's many score 
Of good that trod the path before ; 
So well we know so long as men 
Shall live, that good shall come again! 
Go forth, we but await the day 
When time shall call us on our way ; 
Then, if the future we but know, 
How could we naught but gladly go ? 
A longing is in every heart, 

A tear in every eye. 
To only know a single part 

Of things within the sky ; 
So when we all our time abide 

And cross the mystic sea, 
Our happy souls shall swiftly glide 

Into eternity. 

CONCLUSION 

When God created all the earth 

He knew the volume of its worth. 

He placed hereon the many things. 

With different hoof — with scale or wings ; 

And finished all things, then he could 

Conceive that all he made was good. 

If thing's discovered by man's brain 

Appears so great that people fain 

Would ornament with brilliant praise 

That it the good of life shall blaize ; 

Far greater could immortal hands 

Beautify all the many lands. 

So in God's judgment men were made, 

And in His perfect image laid ; 

But life and knowledge were withheld 

That perfect power won't be felt 

Until, thru ages of progress, 

We learn to overcome distress, 



—17— 



By yielding to the truth divine 
The guidance of our wayward mind; 
And travel o'er the mighty road 
Into our eternal abode ! 

0, is there cause for to regret 
That trials of life we have met, 
And wish that we were immortals 

With hearts light as a summer day, 
Dwelling within dreamland's portals, 

Enchanted by an endless sway, — 
That active life was but a dream, 

And pleasures were imperfect sleep, 
Where we could never catch a gleam 

Of the great harvest we should reap ? 

I wonder, oft\ how such a thot 

With any reason could be wrought, 

For we've but to await the day 

To realize the future sway ; 

And no one should wish to lay down 

Until they should deserve a crown, 

Or cast away the mortal mask 

Until they have performed their task; 

For no one ever can draw pay 

Until they finish up the day. 

So, let us, as we enter things 
That fate before our vision brings. 
Endeavor to remain a part 
Of blessed ideals of the heart. 
0, may we fear not to be right, 
Tho all our foes may wield the might, 
And leave upon the path we've trod 
The witness of the truth in God. 
THE END. 



—18— 



The Foreward March 

As you trod life's mighty highway 

To your bright and distant goal, 
Do not fret if from some byway 

Trouble should demand a toll. 
Do not think that she'll assail you 

With her threats so fierce and strong, 
For your courage will not fail you 

If you'll only travel on ! 

If you don't like her appearance, 

Why speak to her on the way ? 
She'll offer you less interference 

If few words to her you'll say ; 
Then as you press on your travel, 

On time's sand to leave a track, 
The threads of joy you'll unravel 

By never be a-looking back. 



—19— 



Meditation 

I stand on the verge of life's wonderful sea 

My fond gaze stretched outward afar, 
While sweet strains of music comes floating to 
me 
Thru limitless realms of the air. 
My heart then grows tender and throbbing with 
joy, 
Glad tears twinkle down o'er my face, 
For what can the pleasure of life's hope destroy 
When sweet songs lurk in every place? 

Tho the waves on the rock may thunder and 
roar, 

And the sun in the heavens grow dim,— 
Tho shadows are cast on the water and shore, 

I ever shall cling unto Him ; 
Shall list' to the volumes of heart-thrilling song 

As in silence they fall o'er me ; — 
0, let the glad music roll on and roll on 

Thru the age of eternity ! 



-20- 



A Word for the World 

You say, my friend, the world has run 
*Til blood can't make it redder ; 
But pray tell me whaf you have done 
To help to make it better. 

Have you not tried to do your part 

Where ever duty calls you, 
Or have you hardened up your heart 

Against what hope befalls you. 

Do not expect the world to heed 
Words that are blank and narrow, 

But if you're willing to succeed 
It'll hear you on the morrow. 

Perhaps the world is not so bad 
As you have seemed to measure, 

For Fm sure you oft' have had 
Free and unbounded pleasure. 

Just let the world go on its way, 

Still you should endeavor 
To find a little word to say. 

That shall help it forever. 



-21^ 



Immortal Wealth 

We thank thee, Lord, for poverty 

That has crept in to stay ; 
That conqueror, sword nor cannon 

Can never drive away, — 
For, tho we sometimes think that she 

Is such unwelcomed guest, 
We know she ever shall abide 

Within our humble nest. 

We pray thee. Lord, that riches won't 

This hearty friend repel. 
And bribe us for to think if we 

But rich are doing well; 
For, tho we have no horded gold 

That we cannot measure, 
With our dear poverty we know 

That we'll have our pleasure ! 



—22— 



My Soul and I 

Oft' I lay awake thru the misty night, 
As thots of the future bedim my sight; 
While my heart throbs on with irregular beat, 
And I seem in a trance from head to feet. 
I then know a battle's to ra?e within 
That each combatant desireth to win; 
From my heart there's sure to issue a sigh, — 
There's a conflict between my soul and I. 

This battle is fought o'er anew each day, 
Lest that one combatant should hold full sway, 
The war is prolonged thru the reign of life, 
Tho each one is weary of the long strife. 
A chance for to win would never be left 
If I ahvays fought the battle of self ; 
Yet life is held dear by this prolonged tie, — 
This great conflict between my soul and I. 

If it should happen in some future day 
That I and myself has the right of way. 
If life should rock on in the i'ree-way might, 
I pray that my soul shall renew the fight ; — 
May keep in my mind that I am but one, 
No matter what I may think I've done ; 
That I may ever to my God be nigh. 
And brave in this war 'twixt my soul and I. 



-23- 



Down by the River Side 

Down by the side of the clear blue stream, 
Fast asleep in the brightest of dream, 
Sweet flower of beauty gently lays 
10 rest from tne joy ot happiest piays; 
Freshest of bouquets are by her side 
With lilies all blooming far and wide. 
! but the sight doth bring unto me 
A never-departing company. 

Down by the brink of the crimson flow 
Where grasses are waving to and fro, 
While from in the water is the view 
Of all things reflected back anew. 
Over my face there creeps a glad smile 
To see the reflections of my child, 
That's gently growing hour by hour 
To more resemble a fresh-bloomed flower. 

Down where the water goes twinkling by 
Happy the moments of cjiildhood fly ; 
Dear happy omens which seem to tell 
That in the bright future all is well. 
It brings unto me the deeper thot 
Of the days on which a life is wrought, 
And it keeps me happy all the while 
Like unto my darling little child! 



-24— 



Under the Boughs of the Cedar 

Under the boughs of the cedar. 
Wet with the winters snow, 

Lies still the idle of my heart, 
Buried so long ago. 

Under the boughs of the cedar, 

How oft' we sit so long, 
Listening to the melodies 

Of all the birds sweet song. 

Under the boughs of the cedar. 
How green the grasses grow, 

For long has my lover lain there 
Freed from the world of woe. 

Under the boughs of the cedar, 

blessed spot of peace ! 
With flowers, oft' I decorate 

The one that lies beneath. 

Under the boughs of the cedar, 
Who dares profane the spot? 

For there's where my heart lies buried, 
Tho some may have forgot. 

Under the boughs of the cedar, 
Beneath the cold, cold sod, 

Lies one that I can call my bride 
Under the laws of God. 

Under the boughs of the cedar, 
How fast time seems to glide 

'Til I am borne in splendor 
To sleep fast by her side I 



-25— 



The Gall of the Ages 

Dear Lord, we know that we are weak, 
That your bright paths we seldom seek 
When we are tempted to delay 
And from your glorious fold to stray ; 
But from the fact we're incomplete 
Make blessings of our life more sweet, 
Until we fully understand 
That all is guided by your hand. 

Lord God, be patient to forgive 

That we may ever in you live. 

And strength may have to push the fight, 

That's of the never failing right. 

Towards that day when man shall rise 

In might, as like a grand surprise, 

We learn to be mighty and great 

By taking you for our inmate. 

Dear Lord, our prayers seem sometimes vain 

As we repeat them o'er again. 

But show to us you'll count them good 

When we had thot you never would. 

Tho we may falter, may it be 

To falter nearer unto thee. 

And if we stumble let us fall 

In what direction you may call. 

Dear God, give power unto us all 
That from you we may never fall, 
For if at work we're never found 
Our efforts surely will rebound; 
But may we by our works be kept 
In a position for to help, 
And when we cry out in distress 



-26— 



Show to us which path is the best. 

God, our lives guide all the day, — 
Guide every word that we may say, 
And everything we do so free 
May your approval on it be. 
Make our lives useful to mankind 
That words to cheer them we may find, 
And when on earth no more we roam. 
Lord God, we ask you, take us home ! 



—27— 



The Lord's Servant 

My heart is the Savior's garden, 
For the fruits I bear each hour, 
Is the good deeds I am doing, — 
Kind words I say thru His power. 

My hands are the dearest workers, 
The harvest they bring each day, 

Is sheaves I garner from ruin, — 
Flowers I pick by the way. 

My tongue is made for to praise him 
For blessings he sends me each day,- 

To ring the message to others. 
Whose soul is floating away. 

My feet are to walk in the pathways 
Of righteousness, peace and love ; 

Should they be tempted to falter 
God's help comes down from above. 

0, let each part be a helper. 

Let me march onward my way; 

And in the last reap the harvest 
That he is sure to pay ! 



—28— 



Never Complain 

Tho life's road is long and hard 
And our souls grow sick and tired; 
Or our courage should grow faint, 
Never make the least complaint. 

Christ bids us our burdens bear, 
So let us all do our share ; 
Tho the sky may threaten rain, 
Of the journey don't complain. 

Satan fain our cause would hurt, 
But the banner don't desert ; 
For no trouble here can reign 
If we're never to complain. 

When we've chanted our last song. 
And death's chill is creeping on, 
Songs of gladness we shall sing, 
"0 we never need complain." 

But in triumph when we stand 
Safe in Canaan's happy strand, — 
Just to hear the glad refrain. 
We will never then complain ! 



The Falling Star 

One night I stepped into the air; 
My eyes espied a shining star, 
Which in the elements did shine 
Like as the Hght of one sublime ; 
Embosomed there to send it's light 
To reign upon us one more night, — 
Watching o'er us as we sleep 
To dream of giving joy we reap. 
It sent to me a joyous thrill, 
Yet while my eyes with tears did fill, 
As the memory of one gone 
Flashed in upon me there alone; — 
But quicker, still, than joy's glad sigh, 
That star fell, blazing thru the sky. 

There mute I watched it as it fell, 

With wonder too refined to tell, 

For the meteor from far above 

Fell like a messenger of love. 

Perhaps it may have missed this world 

As from the higher it was hurled, 

But still, in fancy, I can feel 

That unto me it did reveal 

A lesson that's with me to stay 

Driving all deep despair away. 

I shall relate it to my friends 

Till it a lesson of hope sends, 

Causing them to look from strife 

Upon the sunny shores of life. 

Blessed are the bright stars that shine 
So clear and hopeful all the time, 
That dark clouds never mar the sky 
When it's bright rays are passing by ; 



—30— 



A star in simple daily life, 

With neighbor, friend, with child or wife; 

Not only shining once a week 

As for right it may go to seek. 

For truth is found not in a day 

And then for centuries lain away, 

Keeping from wrong the finder's soul, 

As he bounds on towards his goal, 

For each bright star, tho great or small, 

Must shine each day, if shine at all. 

So let us as we onward bound 

Strive to keep our ships clean and sound, 

And not forget that we may fall, 

Tho our career in life be tall. 

If we don't at the oars abide 

We sure are drifting with the tide 

Letting our duty ebb away 

Till we have surely lost the day. 

But we are sure our boat to land 

If we but to our duty stand. 

! may I press on in the fight ! 

! may I wear the shield of right. 

And keep in mind the simple thot 

That just a falling star has taught. 



-31— 



Fighting for Fame 

Once I heard the stories 
How artist old could paint ; 

I thought I'd be an artist 
And never say, *'I can't/' 

First I searched for a pencil, 
And paper, too, I found ; 

But ere I'd tried ten minutes 
I dropped them, then I frowned 

"Perhaps it wasn't a pencil 
The painters used to use, — 

Wonder what it e'er could be," 
I solmenly did muse. 

I heard then of the hunter 
That tracked the grizzly bear 

Afar into the mountains ;— 
That killed the little hare. 

The fever then possessed me 

A hunter for to be ; — 
To roam the airy mountains 

And their wonders see. 

I took my father's rifle, 
A wondrous gun of old ; 

And started out to practice. 
Despite the awful cold. 

First I fired at a cypress, 

With aim so cool and steady, — 

Tho I had missed my target, 
My nose it sure was bloody. 



—32— 



Soon I become discouraged, 
My shooting was so poor; 

I thot I'd never, never go 
A hunting any more. 

Once Mother read the poems 
Of poets who were great; 

And I was interested, 
Tho I was only eight. 

I thot I now had found it, 
And that I soon would be, 

As great a noted poet. 
As you could ever see. 

I tried three weeks in earnest 
To fashion out a rhyme ; 

But, sure as you're a livin' 
I missed it every time. 

One day I asked my mother 
To tell me how to win. 

Instead of make a failure 
In all that I begin. 

"One thing, of all, you're lacking 
My little boy," said she, 

"And that is education. 
Going to school, you see." 

From day to day I pondered 
Upon what she had said. 

From arising in the morning 
Until I went to bed. 

I've about made my decision, 



—33;— 



That what Ma said is right,— 
That you must first prepare yourself 
Before you go to fight. 



Under the Snow 

This very day 
Under the clay, 
Mouldering away, 

She lies, I know; 
With her blue eyes 
Closed to the skies, 
There she lies. 

Under the snow. 

From us away, 
Ever to stay. 
Never to say 

Sweet words, so low ; 
She, Death did take 
Over the lake 
To never awake. 

Under the snow. 

Skies were so blue. 
Nature so true. 
Cares there were few 

When she was here ; 
Now she is cold. 
Under the fold. 
From us her soul 

Sped from all fear. 

Once her sweet smile 
Banished all trial, 
And all the while 

Happy were we; 
Little we thot 
What luck had brot. 
What nature wrought 



--35— 



For we were free. 

When flowers bloom 
All shall be gloom, 
Still there is room 

Upon her grave ; 
Flowers well spread 
Over her head, — 
Tears we'll shed 

While our hearts rave. 

Come, let us bow 
For Sella now. 
For we know how 

Mourning will grow; 
Then as the years 
Dry up our tears, 
Then will our cares 

Vanish and go. 

She has no care 
Trouble nor fear, 
She is not here 

With us to go; 
She is at rest 
From all oppress 
Gentily caressed 

Under the snow. 

(This little "Pome" is one of the author's 
earliest compositions, and is the first he had the 
pleasure of seeing in print. Out of respect for 
the past, no revision has been made.) 



—36— 



Songs of the Rain 

The rain falleth down 
Dancing with glee, 

As tho singing songs 
Here unto me. 

So charming and low 

Is the sweet sound 
As the drops patter 

Over the ground. 

With sheltering sense 

Ruling in spite, 
Gladly I yield to 

Lonesome delight. 

The birds take refuge 

In their retreat, 
Still their silent songs 

You will repeat. 

Each stream is refilled 
With freshest flow; 

And chaunting low hymns 
Onward they go. 

When it is raining 
Why should I care, 
With such a charming 
Dull atmosphere. 

The flowers all need 
Your loving kiss, 
So is your duty 



—37— 



Never amiss. 

rain, let my heart 

Forever be 
Pure and so wholesome 

Like as to thee ! 



—38— 



Under the Jolly Old Pine 

Winter is here 
Ending the year, 

So jolly is Christmas time. 
The rifles crack 
Along deer's track 

Leading away thru the pine. 

On to the front 
Of the grand hunt 

For pleasure tonight's the time ; 
Happy we go 
Forth to and fro 

Under the jolly old pine. 

Campf ires burn bright 
Into the night, 

Lonely the pale moon may shine ; 
Happy and free 
Ever are we 

Under the jolly old pine. 

Come boys, awake ! 
Deeply partake 

Of good old mountain moonshine ; 
Plenty for all. 
On it we fall 

Under the jolly old pine. 

When bed time's here 
Little we care 

Where that our bodies recline; 
Snow's for our bed, 
Boughs for our shed, — 



—39- 



Boughs of the jolly old pine. 

Hounds are at bay 
Far, far away, 

In such melodious rhyme ; 
Now we shall eat 
Venison sweet 

Under the jolly old pine. 

Let the winds blow 
Boughs to and fro 

Yet nature's ever benign ; 
Sheltering sense 
Ever intense 

Under the jolly old pine. 



Our Precious Boy 

Now in baby's eyes I look, 
Which are clearer than the brook, 
For they no trouble ever show. 
As there is none there to grow; 
So bright, so clear, with no shame 
Stamped within them ever plain 
As the written history. 
As it is with you and me. 
All his life is thru them told, — 
Truth, directly from the soul ; 
Simple, plain, childish way 
He exhibits every day. 
He's so mighty full of fun, 
A to-be-proud-of little one. 
Who's always in some playful prank 
Characteristic in his rank; — 
A precious baby brother, dear, 
Whose smile will banish every care. 

Oft' he sits upon my knee 
And, looking up, smiles with glee, 
Telling in his childish words 
Little stories oft' he'd heard; 
Expecting for me to return 
Amusement under each concern, 
Until his eyes with sleep would close, 
And swift into dream-land he goes, 
A dreaming of his daytime toys 
When nothing to his world annoys. 
He dreams of things he'd played before 
Here and there about the floor; — 
Then, of a sudden, he would wake 
And again his plaj^s would take, — 
! it's pleasing for to see 



—41— 



A precious loved one filled with glee ! 

Shall he always like this be, — 
Shall he linger here with me ? 
Will he always be a boy 
Overflowed with ceaseless joy? 
No ! He'll grow to be a man, 
Then his face by sun will tan, 
And instead of shadows small 
His shall grow out long and tall. 
His joy shall shorten with the year 
His laugh'll then grow hoarse with care 
Then his plays'll change their mood 
Unto constant solitude. 
His hands then shall go to work. 
For I'm sure they'll never shirk ; 
Duties then shall hold him I'ast 
'Til his idol's reached at last. 

Another thing to come is death. 

That could part us with a breath ; 

Either him or I could go 

From this world of so and so, 

For to dwell within the grave 

Til final judgment shall be gave; 

Then with the loved ones gone before 

We shall dwell for evermore; 

And with the loved ones gladly stand 

In that bright celestial. 

Recalling o'er and o'er again 

That mortal life is far from vain. 

Until that time, let us be true 

To the one who keeps us thru. 

And praise Him for the boundless joy, 

Thru our darling baby boy ! 



—42— 



';■$ Untainted Riches 



m--| 



! when all our work is ended, 

When the night time comes along; 
When the sun has low descended, 

And the birds sing their last song, — 
When we know that by our labors 
We have done our level best, , 
Blessed is the hour that bringeth 
Happy night time, peace and rest ! 

Each morning, forth with high spirits 
To our work we march away. 

Filled with hope of honest labor 
Thru another happy day. 

So, when duty has been fulfilled. 
And once more we homeward go, 

We receive the fruits of labor 

That in honest work we sow. 

Then sit we down to wholesome food, 

A bowl of bread and milk. 
What care we if some folks may go 

Rich clad in finest silk? 
We know that we have earned our rest, 

That God won't question why. 
That when at last the day is gone 

We lay our labors by. 

Likewise, as on thru hfe we go, 

let us ever be 
A faithful toiler in the field 

Of all humanity. 
And when at last, when shadows fall, 

When life's long road is trod, 
Give us repose, forevermore, 

Within the house of God. 



—43— 



Their New Year Pledges 

A New Years day comes right away 

To visit our ole town, 
So newest leaves, our lives to ease 

Are being turned the round. 
Si Hodge has quit the cigarette ; 

Ed Thompson's cut out beer. 
While ole Jack Watts swears by his cats 

That there is naught to fear 
About his skate a calling late, 

And making natives hide, — 
(Before he's made them hunt the shade, 

When they his bottle spied.) 
Old Hiram Jones has changed his tones, 

And'll stay at home henceforth. 
Instead of spread a terrible dread 

Thruout the police force. 

Doc White has been to school again, 

(At least the rumor goes) 
To brighten up his mental cup, 

Or show off what he knows. 
Next year, of course, we'll feel the force 

In pulling thru a spell ; 
For things, they say, he's laid away, 

He finds it hard to tell ; — 
He says he'll quit the humbug kit, 

Bad habits, too, must fall. 
He's sure to charge sums not so large 

Each time he makes a call. 
0, who could hear of such a year, 

That Father Time's sent down, 
That such a charm of true reform 



Has gone the country round! 

Well, as for me, you here can see, 

ril make the terrible fuss, 
And say that in this world again 

You'll never hear me cuss. 
It's quite a job my speech to rob. 

But there's where honor shines ; 
For, bless your luck, I've undertook 

The thing near twenty times ! 
Last New Years marked my soul embarked 

In the reforming ging. 
All habits went, right outward sent, 

Regardless of the sting, — 
I was to Stan' a model man, 

And show the folks my nerve. 
Instead of spread my darned cuss-word, 

Which only Satan serve. 

A week I kept my branded "rep," 

Without a profane word ; 
From Deacon Spott a better lot 

Of talk was never heard. 
But come the time when, in mood fine, 

I went to milk the cow, 
She took a hank to play a prank. 

And certainly knew how; 
0, what hard luck — her hoof it struck 

The ball spot on my head, — 
I'd give a dime to had the time 

To've killed her good and dead ! 
But milk and blood, my face did flood ; 

I sit down on my hat, — 
My Sunday clothes, wet to the toes. 

What would you say to that? 

I sauntered out to see about 



—45— 



Getting my wife some wood, — 
Three licks I hit, the stuff to spht, 

And my success was good. 
It thot my face the handiest place, 

Straightway made for the mark ; 
I felt the pain of such a rain. 

Then everything grew dark. 
The accident to my brain went, 

And a great storm formated ; 
For with the scars I saw more stars 

Than ever was created! 
Temptation took to my ill luck, 

And told me 'twas but vain, 
For folks to say in such a way 

They'd never cuss again. 

Then, with a frown. Ma sent me down 

The cellar one Sunday morn, 
To get a jar of pickled fire, — 

Peaches, cider and some corn. 
It was such stack for me to pack 

That when I started out. 
My big feet slipped, my balance tipped, 

And I retraced my route. 
The glass all burst — I got the worst 

Shampoo I ever saw ; 
With such a treat, who fears to meet 

An enraged mother-in-law ? 
But, sure as fate, it was too late 

To grumble at the stroke, — 
I was baptized and paralyzed. 

And my great pledge was broke ! 

But still this is another year. 
And as all things are new. 
Just to be kind, I've set my mind 



To join the reforming few. 
It's best, they say, to butt away, 

And change things if you can, 
And not recall a former fall 

In carrying out your plan ; 
For tho the others may desert 

And resume their errous way, 
Tve set my head that I'd be dead. 

Tore another cuss-word I'd say. 
But, if next year, I find with fear 

My resolutions dying, 
I'll say, begad, tho results were bad, 

There's no harm done in trying. 



—47— 




ilRRARY OF CONGRESS 

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